Zimpapers Logo

NEW DEVIL . . . Anthony Martial is joining Manchester United from French side Monaco

LONDON. — Manchester United were yesterday set to complete the £36m signing of Monaco forward Anthony Martial. But Manchester United fans have started a campaign to sack manager Louis van Gaal. Earlier yesterday, the Dutchman, who successfully guided United back to the Champions League on Wednesday, struck a deal to sign Monaco striker Martial.

Martial’s imminent move to the Theatre of Dreams is an intriguing one to say the least. And it’s safe to say the Old Trafford faithful aren’t pleased with the latest addition to their squad. The Red Devils, who have already splashed our £83m this summer, will fork out £36m for the French international — who bagged 12 goals in 46 appearances last season.

The 19-year-old, who has been linked with Arsenal, was allowed to leave the France squad yesterday to travel for a medical with Louis van Gaal’s side. Martial scored eight goals in 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Martial will become Manchester United’s third most expensive signing, after £59.7m Angel Di Maria and £37.1m Juan Mata.

Spain midfielder Mata joined from Premier League rivals Chelsea in January 2014, while Argentina winger Di Maria moved from La Liga giants Real Madrid for a British record fee in August last year. After Manchester United lost 2-1 to Swansea on Sunday, Van Gaal said he would not panic buy before the transfer window closes in England at 6pm today.

France Under-21 international Martial was called up to the senior national team for the first time on 28 August. The teenager scored 32 goals in just 21 games at youth level for Lyon before breaking into the first team in the 2012-13 season.

He made just three appearances before joining Monaco in the summer of 2013 for a reported £3.5m Martial scored two goals in 15 appearances in his first season at Monaco and 11 in 42 last season With nine goals, he is the top scorer among the Under-20 players in the European top five leagues since last season.

“Anthony Martial asked France coach Didier Deschamps for permission to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United,” a statement from the French Football Federation confirmed. Martial started his career at Lyon, making his professional debut in December 2012, before joining Monaco in June 2013. This summer he agreed a one-year extension to his previous deal, taking his contract up to 2019.

At the time, Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said Martial was “untransferable”, with Tottenham reported to have shown interest. — BBC Sport.